Yes, gospel music is a ministry, but we have bills to pay —Yetunde Are

Your mother is a popular music evangelist. Could this be what influenced you to go into music?

I’m not singing because my mum sings. Initially, I wasn’t really interested in singing.  While growing, I decided not to be a full minister like my mum because of the difficult and terrible moments she encountered, but God’s plan for me must surely prevail. I never knew that I wouldn’t work with my degree. I’m passionate about what I do and I believe I’m fulfilling my purpose according to the will of God.

Does that mean your own style of music is different from hers?

My mum’s style of music is actually built on a firm foundation. For me to be able to combine both contemporary and African gospel music, I may not be accepted in some places I visit today for ministration except I employ my mum’s style of music. I grew to observe her worship lifestyle and how she enjoys worshipping God like that of the ancient times. I think that is her way of reaching out to people. I have learnt to combine her style with mine. It’s amazing and interesting that way.

What kind of influence does her ministry have on yours?         

Her success story encourages me to soldier on despite challenges. She has fought and won manybattles which I also witnessed.  Her resilience during these times taught me a great lesson on managing problems. I believe with God on my side, I will make progress.  I dress the way I choose to inasmuch as it’s not causing others to fall. I shouldn’t pretend to be who I’m not. I like fashion. Even my mum is fashionable. She dresses well, although with no jewellery.

How many works do you have to your credit?

It is 27 years now that I’ve been into the music ministry and by God’s grace, I’ve been able to launch about 10 albums.

You won the best gospel artiste of the year at the PERA awards last December.

It is just less than a month that I got the award. Before then, I had not received any award in Oyo State, so, that for me is really a great achievement. In fact, I produced a video to appreciate my fans and big thanks the organisers of the event.

How do you see the gospel music industry?

We are improving and making progress. All I think we need is the support of general overseers, church planters, religious leaders and others who are interested in supporting the spread of the gospel. Music has a way of penetrating into people, so in this regard; gospel musicians need the encouragement of others. Where there’s no support, many could be lured into secular music due to the financial constraints.

Some people believe gospel music is not an industry, but a ministry. Do you believe this?

I believe gospel music is a ministry and an industry. First of all, it is ministry but the packaging aspect of it makes it an industry. The industry part is administrative in nature. Although, the main aim of gospel music is ministry, which is to win souls for Christ, but we must also make ends meet out of it. Even the scripture says the gift of a man makes room for him. To venture into the music ministry, you’ve got to have people working with you, it cannot be run alone. These people need to be paid. All these are part of the administrative duties which make music an industry and vice versa.

What is your relationship with other gospel artistes?

I have friends among them. I may not know everyone, but I appreciate them as my colleagues. My relationship with them is good.